A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

Levine et al.'s research examined helping behaviors across various cities and found significant differences in the likelihood of individuals offering assistance to strangers in distress. The study revealed that Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, exhibited the lowest percentage of helping behavior among the cities tested.

This finding can be contextualized by considering various cultural, social, and environmental factors that influence prosocial behavior. In locations where there is a strong emphasis on community and social responsibility, such as some of the other cities examined, helping behavior tends to be more pronounced. Conversely, in Kuala Lumpur, factors such as urbanization, diversity in population, and attitudes toward strangers may contribute to a reduced likelihood of individuals feeling compelled to assist others in need.

Levine et al.'s work emphasizes how contextual factors can shape helping behavior, making it clear that these dynamics can vary greatly between different urban environments.